Think Heavy: Basic Repairs With Katie

7 October 2016

Tips For A Start-Up Sprinkler Installation Service

Adding sprinkler installation to your repertoire can increase business and catapult your small landscaping business into a full service establishment with more dedicated customers. Sprinkler system installation isn't a difficult skill to learn, and you only need to add one or two additional tools to your work kit, which is why it can be a lucrative service to offer. The following tips can further help you offer excellent service.

Tip #1: Use higher quality pipe

It's not uncommon for installers to cut cost by using inexpensive PVC pipe. The problem is, this pipe is more prone to breakage and leaks in areas that experience hard freezes. Instead, only offer polyethylene pipes. This may result in a more expensive installation, but you can explain to customers how it is really a better value in the long run because they won't be having to dig up their yard and replace pipes every year or two.

Tip #2: Push for more heads and wider pipes

Often, customers will try to limit the amount of heads on the system, thinking this will save them money. The truth is that sprinkler heads are inexpensive, and by using more you can ensure more even coverage of the yard without the need for high water pressure. You can also improve the water pressure by using wider pipe, which causes less friction in the water as it flows so it better maintains water pressure.

Tip #3: Skip the trencher

It's common for irrigation installers to invest in a trencher. This is time consuming and causes damage to the lawn, which you will then need to repair. Unless you live in an area with very rocky soil, a vibratory plow is a much better idea. These devices have a vibrating plow head in the front and a bracket to which to attach the poly pipe. It's inserted into the ground, where it then mechanically cuts it's path and pulls the pipe with it. The result is nothing more than a small slice in the sod where it passes, which you can tamp down with your foot. The only ongoing investment is to purchase replacement vibratory plow blades from the manufacturer.

Tip #4: Create an irrigation map

This service benefits both the customer and you, since you will hopefully be the one they continue to call to service the system. On every job create an easy-to-read map of the pipe, head, and valve locations. Provide one to the customer and keep one in your customer file. This will provide a quick guide for locating pipes and heads when you do future services, whether it's work on the system or simply locating sprinkler heads before aerating the lawn. The result is less chance for damage and saved time – since you won't have to locate the heads or lines the hard way.

About Me

A few winters ago, it was the coldest week I could remember in the area. My roommates and I came back to our little house after being away for the holidays, and our heater wasn't working. We were without heat for a few days.
It turned out that the problem was actually with the boiler. I realized that I had no idea how to diagnose or repair anything in my house and thought, "What would happen if it was just me in a storm and no one could get to my place to fix it for me?" From that moment, I got to researching. I'm still no expert, but I figured I'd share what I've learned with the rest of the internet.